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Regular Session, 2014 ENROLLED
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 153
BY SENATORS THOMPSON, ADLEY, ALARIO, ALLAIN, AMEDEE, APPEL,
BROOME, BROWN, BUFFI NGTON, CHABERT, CL AITOR,
CORTEZ, CROWE, DONAHUE, DORSEY-COLOMB, ERDEY,
GALLOT, GUILLORY, HEITMEIER, JOHNS, KOSTELKA,
LAFLEUR, LONG, MARTINY, MILLS, MORRELL, MORRISH,
MURRAY, NEVERS, PEACOCK, PERRY, PETERSON, RISER,
GARY SMITH, JOHN SMITH, TARVER, WALSWORTH, WARD
AND WHITE
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON
To express the sincere and heartfelt condolences of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the
passing of former Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Robert Fulton "Bob"
Odom Jr., and to acknowledge his life of public service and his many contributions
to the state of Louisiana.
WHEREAS, it is with deep regret that the Legislature of Louisiana has learned of the
death of former Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry, Robert Fulton "Bob" Odom Jr.,
on May 17, 2014, at the age of seventy-eight; and
WHEREAS, Robert Fulton "Bob" Odom Jr. was born in Haynesville, Louisiana, to
parents Mary Traylor Odom and Robert Fulton Odom Sr., where he grew up on a one
thousand acre cotton and dairy farm; and
WHEREAS, he was a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University in Animal
Science and the Marine Corps Command and Staff College; and
WHEREAS, he was commissioned a company commander with the United States
Marine Corps and retired as Lieutenant Colonel in the Marine Corps Reserve in 1980; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Odom began working with the Louisiana Department
of Agriculture and Forestry in 1960 and worked his way through various roles prior to his
election as commissioner in 1979; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Odom served from 1979 until 2008, an unprecedented
seven consecutive terms; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Odom was committed to service of the American farmer,
understanding that the access to food and fiber are not only life preserving, but the
foundation of our state and nation; and SCR NO. 153 ENROLLED
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WHEREAS, he often flew his own plane while traveling throughout the world to
promote Louisiana agriculture and further the economic development of our state; and
WHEREAS, as commissioner, he was an energetic leader known for his tireless work
ethic, his tenacity, and willingness to help anyone in need; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Odom was also an avid church and community leader,
leading the building committee at Zachary First Baptist Church and a community renovation
of the high school football field; and
WHEREAS, he also played a pivotal role in working with legislators and community
leaders for the authorization and creation of the Zachary Community School System; and
WHEREAS, he wore the mantle of community service proudly and willingly, while
extending courtesy and friendship to all; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Odom was honored by the USDA secretary in 1970, the
Louisiana Legislature in 1976, and named Progressive Farmer Man of the Year in 1996; and
WHEREAS, his many accomplishments were recognized by countless communities,
towns, cities, boards, commissions, and organizations for his leadership and commitment to
agriculture and the people of Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Odom served as president of the National Association
of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), the Southern U.S. Trade Association, and
the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture, which helped bring the
Louisiana agricultural industry to the national forefront; and
WHEREAS, he served on numerous other boards and commissions representing
agriculture and was involved with many agricultural groups, including the Louisiana Farm
Bureau Federation, the Louisiana Cattlemen's Association, the American Sugar Cane
League, and the Southern and LSU Ag Centers; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Odom spent his entire life in service to our state and
nation and will always be remembered for his dedication to the promotion of the agriculture
industry in Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Odom is survived by his wife of nearly 46 years,
Mildred "Millie" Randolph Odom; one son, Robert "Robb" Fulton Odom III and wife
Monique; one daughter, Ashley Odom White and husband Ned; three granddaughters, SCR NO. 153 ENROLLED
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Taylor Brooke Odom, Baylie Monet Odom, and Brighton Lynn Thompson and one
grandson, Nolan Randolph Thompson; four sisters, Mary Ann Bryant, Emily Odom
Honeycutt and husband Billy; Anna Bess Kelley and husband Joe; Betty Sue Broussard and
husband Donald; plus a host of precious friends and extended family; and
WHEREAS, although the passing of Commissioner Bob Odom has left a tremendous
void in his community, he leaves a rich and unique legacy that shall live on in the hearts of
all who knew him and throughout the state of Louisiana.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
express the sincere and heartfelt condolences of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the
passing of former Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Robert Fulton "Bob" Odom Jr.,
and does hereby recognize and record for posterity his life of public service and his many
contributions to the state of Louisiana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
family of Robert Fulton "Bob" Odom Jr.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES